Book Review: Haunting License (A Haunted Haven Mystery #3) by R.J. Lee
From the moment I cracked open Haunting License, the third installment in R.J. Lee’s Haunted Haven Mystery series, I was intrigued. I’ve enjoyed cozy mysteries that whisk readers away to enchanting inns and introduce cheeky ghosts, but yet again, I find myself grappling with disappointment. This book, while touching on familiar themes of ghosts and small-town mysteries, veers off into uneven territory that left me longing for the magic of the earlier installments.
At its heart, this series centers around Maureen, whose lively involvement with the spectral residents of her inn offers a charming premise. However, in this latest adventure, Maureen’s character doesn’t quite resonate. Although only 27, her dialogues and references sound more suited to someone in their sixties. “Maybe one of the cleaning girls wears that perfume,” felt like an anachronism that yank me out of the narrative, feeling outdated and rather patronizing. Perhaps the frequency of Maureen’s reminders about her past relationship with Finn misfired in delivering depth, circling back on themselves to the point of monotony.
Lee’s writing style falters under the weight of excessive exposition. One passage, for instance, introduces us to a drink named "Fairy Godmother" in a way that detracts from the scene’s energy: "’I think I’ll try a Fairy Godmother,’ she said, naming the fruity, elderberry-based cocktail mixed with a few potent drops of green, anise-flavored absinthe." Such elaborate descriptions invade the pacing, slowing the momentum when it should be building tension.
As I turned the pages, I recalled the pulse-pounding mysteries of earlier books, only to find this plot lacking stakes. The ghosts, once seamlessly integrated into the storytelling, feel shoehorned in, almost an afterthought rather than integral characters. A far more natural ghost subplot characterized the previous mystery, so the shift here feels jarring and disappointing. Additionally, the absence of the “mysterious benefactor” subplot, a tantalizing thread that wove through the first two books, was felt keenly. When Maureen finally stumbles across crucial clues, it’s almost a letdown—a “deus ex machina” that diminishes engagement.
Despite these pitfalls, there are glimmers of goodness that shine through. Maureen’s character growth through her involvement in local fishing adds depth and development to her role as innkeeper and caretaker. Her relationship with local law enforcement, particularly the trust the detective places in her uncanny abilities, is a treat that provides a rare alliance in cozy mysteries—allowing her intuitive skills to flourish. However, the hints of an awkward power dynamic with her employee, Ted, left a sour taste, reminiscent of outdated tropes of men dictating women’s choices.
To sum it up, while Haunting License beckons with its cozy setting and spectral charm, it ultimately falters due to clunky writing and a lack of strong narrative tension. If you’ve been enchanted by the towns’ previous escapades or have a penchant for supernatural encounters, there’s still enough warm-heartedness to enjoy. However, don’t expect the cohesion and mystery of its predecessors. Personally, while I always hope for growth and excitement in a series, I found myself longing for the vibrancy of past adventures.
For fans of cozy mysteries seeking comforting vibes and lively secondary plots, there might still be something to appreciate in Haunting License. But I can’t help but hope for a return to form in whatever mysteries are yet to come. Here’s to hoping the next book brews a little more magic!
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